Strict Scrutiny

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Strict Scrutiny is a podcast about the United States Supreme Court and the legal culture that surrounds it.Hosted by three badass constitutional law professors-- Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray-- Strict Scrutiny provides in-depth, accessible, and irreverent analysis of the Supreme Court and its cases, culture, and personalities. Each week, Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down the latest headlines and biggest legal questions facing our country, emphasizing what it all means for our daily lives.Whether you’re a lawyer or law student, or you’re just here for the messy legal drama, Strict Scrutiny has you covered. New episodes out every Monday… plus bonuses whenever SCOTUS takes away another one of our rights.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • GiorgosTheodorakis
    Vocal fry
    Hard to listen to.
  • Mac_User_01
    Not timely
    Given the degree of constitutional crisis, our nation is facing, and the rapid evolution of legal proceedings, I am extremely disappointed at the lackadaisical, infrequent release schedule of the Strict Scrutiny podcast. By the time this podcast releases an episode, it is already out of date. Please commit to providing more frequent updates, as the current schedule is out of touch with reality.
  • rohtonson
    Are you satirists or analysts: choose one.
    I find the legal analysis to be reasonable and well considered. This podcast fulfills a niche within the law podcast universe. However there are times throughout the podcast episodes that I feel whip sawed by its schizophrenic nature. As I settle into thoughtful discussion of issues before the Court I find myself taken completely out of it by the commentators flippancy, poor attempts at humor or moral outrage, and offensive language. I don’t have a problem with swearing in podcasts as a general rule; I’m an adult. Fine. It is jarring though to be hit with F-bombs in a SCOTUS focused podcast. This show is stepping on itself.
  • Bountiful!109
    Good info- funky delivery
    I don’t understand any of the first 3 minutes of insider jokes. Why does the one woman talk a mile-a-minute, and the others talk like middle schoolers? Can’t get past that to listen to the show.
  • Briard girl
    Can we start with your opening?
    I am addicted to your opening music. I am also in love with RBG’s narrative. Lastly, I need the food tighter Bobn pm
  • Eliangersol
    Corey Booker is a Zionist
    I don’t want to hear his voice
  • jessk44881
    Paul, Weiss
    Pretty striking that SS doesn’t have much to say about PW’s spineless capitulation to the admin since Melissa’s husband works there. An episode started with Jon Lovett lecturing everyone to do something. Guess that doesn’t extend to law firms if it could cost them money.
  • AmyElizabeth17
    Outstanding!
    You three fabulous people make the demise of our country comprehensible and urgent, and above all your humor and realness keep me going. Please come to the Bay Area!
  • Food17
    Go off!
    I loved Leah’s monologue on Paul Weiss this week. Long time listener, first time homeowner
  • To T or not to Tee
    Surely you’re kidding!
    I’m not! And stop calling me, Shirley! If you would’ve told me, I would be listening to a podcast about the Supreme Court… I would never have believed it. But this podcast provides so many insights that I find helpful in understanding much of the insanity that we are experiencing in modern times. The hosts are fun to listen to. Thanks for taking me somewhere I never thought I’d go!
  • Mack on Bluesky ☺️
    Absolutely love this podcast
    Love listening to the ladies tell it like it is. Great show. It’s definitely added to my “ play next “ queue.
  • WordPlayer500
    Losing Control
    Retaking The Lost Control: • We used to have Colonialists (mainly white Christian male) who owned & ran everything • We then introduced ‘The Constitution’ & gave control to ‘we The People’ whom they controlled, (via voting, to own their own destiny & manage their prior controllers), • We then added more salt to the gaping wound by giving further control to additional subjects they used to control: Women, Slaves & Non-white, Disabled, LGTBQ+ … Create Corporate Colonialism & regain control: • In late 60s, Milton Freidman introduced the Neo-Liberal Economic model & received a questionable Nobel Prize • Some of Milton’s own words: “Tax is Government Theft”, or “Privatize, Privatize, Privatize”, or “Deregulate” – a foundation for the Republican Platform to Shrink the Gov: • The model was popularized by President Reagan in the 80s through slogans like: “Government is the enemy”, or “Starve the Beast”, or “Individualism” – implying it’s your fault if you’re poor, and other such nonsense like “Greed is Good” supported by the Religious Right! • Hence began a $50T wealth transfer from the low/middle income to the top • Collectively, this platform and the SCOTUS’s expansion of corporate voting voice ($$$) gave rise to the expansion of the corporate size & power through massive consolidations, including the takeover of the media • Creating the Corporate Colonialism powered with full citizenry rights, but without any country/geo-allegiance, using the Gov as its instrument to control laws & regain control A full circle: • Here we are - Cut Taxes, Privatize, Deregulate, Own the Media – the Platform on steroids • Congress, including the democratic party has had its hands so deep in the pockets of the corporate colonialists that they are also trapped in a web they wove over decades of misusing democratic principles for their own gains • Adam Smith must be rolling in his grave – This is not the “invisible hand” he had envisioned, or the treatment of the workers & equitable wages he had promoted!
  • Valued Pod Listener
    Elie Mystal is in the chat!
    I was introduced to this podcast while searching for what Elie has to say about the current rogue administration, and the constitutional crisis we are currently in that the SCOTUS ushered in by giving the orange felon unlimited immunity. I’m glad I found you! I’m always up for SCOTUS scrutiny. I really enjoyed the discussion. Keep up the great work!
  • Kraqy
    OMG Thank you
    I graduated law school in 1992 from an Ivy League school, you may have heard of. The Constitutional law they taught, certainly as imperfect as it was, had hope (Warren Court, etc). My law school produced a President I am truly proud of, although, again, imperfect. Now Constitutional law has been completely transformed and perverted, as this pod explains in excruciating detail. As a female lawyer who now leads a law firm, I am so grateful for this pod’s amazing scholars, especially given all the craziness that is going on. I love, love, love this show, and couldn’t live without it. It makes me crazy, angry, and inspired all at the time same time. I am so grateful. Tell me more about what we can do to help. Educate us. Thank I. I love you folks. ❤️🙏
  • AlfaBlue02
    Freaking AWESOME!
    Ladies, thank you so much! I *always* learn something, and your presentation is lively, erudite, and as good-humored as the situation allows. Keep up the GREAT work!
  • EpochēStudent
    “Atextual….”
    Stopped my run to say that while there is helpful analysis on some aspects of emerging events, the commentary and rhetoric of this show partakes in the type of irritating cheap witticisms so endemic in our age, that it cuts of the grounds of possibility for fruitful dialectical and dialogical engagement. Allahu akbar!!
  • Windy13007
    Hire Based on Merit?
    Trump is a fool. His entire cabinet was hired based on favoritism not merit. Its meritless hiring at its finest. Tank the stock market, alienate our allies, and hike up grocery and housing and gas prices -MAGA! Scapegoat Biden. If you’re not furious, then you’re not paying attention!
  • vdoubleyew
    Stop Advertising Skims
    Like…..not sure how you’re advertising for right supporting companies and their owners……
  • Craig New Orleans
    Joint meeting CJR comments / pat
    Nice Podcast, except that Trump’s brief comments and pat on shoulder of Chief Roberts happened BEFORE not after his 100 minute “speech”. Love the podcast and all the episodes!
  • Appropriations?
    RIF under CR?
    Thanks for the podcast! New listener here, and a federal employee. I’m wondering if you could possibly address the following question: Is there any legal basis for federal agencies to initiate RIFs while the agency’s funding level has been set via continuing resolution? My agency has already fired some number of probationary employees, but we’re under a CR at FY24 funding levels. The RIF levels, which are apparently arbitrary, will reduce agency spending even further below appropriated levels. Is this legal somehow, or another example of impoundment?
  • Kyrapetey
    Re-Runs
    I’ve been watching both West Wing and The Newsroom. I’m a Strict Scrutiny Monday morning listener. I’m shocked, appalled, and uncomfortable about how prophetic the shows and Adam Sorkin are. I would encourage you three to what The Newsroom season one episode five which originally aired in 2012. I hope you are shocked, appalled, and uncomfortable too.👍
  • Choco21362!!!
    Legal Eagles empowered
    It takes a woman , in this case 3 women ,that are constitutional lawyers to break down the crisis in lay terms for what’s unfolding in the USA . Never in my 63 y of age have I ever panicked during an administration. I am surrounded by MAGA and I can’t get through to them. Thank you ladies. 10 stars if I could 🌟🌟🌟
  • nigey&jack
    You ROCK
    You ROCK!!
  • HorrifiedInTheMidwest
    A Break for Sanity
    I’m so grateful I discovered this podcast. I’m an attorney, and I’m absolutely horrified by the administrations utter disregard for the Constitution, enacted legislation, and moral compass of our nation. Thank you for the legal perspective on what they are doing to us.
  • _patroclus_
    Fantastic
    Wonderful pod, and fantastic discussions. Sometimes it can be a little hard to follow topic changes though, especially when they move between cases. As a non-legal person I’d love to get a little more background on cases before diving into them! Anyway, love the show! Keep it up because we need you all ❤️
  • 10secfwd
    I never skip an episode
    I am not an attorney, but deeply interested on what’s going on with SCOTUS and law. These professors bring a perfect mix of erudition and unbridled sass that educates me and brings me joy.
  • ARhaesa
    Must listen
    Strict Scrutiny is my go to for Supreme Court news. I appreciate their analysis and the long term view. I’ve been a listener since before you joined Crooked Media and you ladies are the best.
  • howmmmapudcomplement
    Hosts making fun of people’s names
    The hosts of this show like to make jokes about people’s names (someone’s name being “Florida sounding” or similar elitist nonsense). My young daughter has a name that the hosts would probably make fun of. I want her to know that she can grow up and go into law or government service if she wants to and if she over heard me listening to this podcast where the hosts are constantly belittling women for having country sounding names, there’s no way she is going to want anything to do with that world. I challenge you to do better.
  • Sergeant Sledge
    Legal Eagles
    Three great legal minds. Since you started listening I’ve never missed an episode. Never thought the Supreme Court would be so interesting.
  • quigley_wyatt
    Strict Scrutiny gives the lowdown on the law
    these are compelling communicators with senses of humor that oft acknowledge the wry comedy of life -talkin' law stuff in a fun conversational style -check it out if ya wanna! 😍✌️⚖️🥰👍❤️
  • aucoon
    Strict scrutiny
    Love this show. Great insight and interviews.
  • standard poodle lover
    Not feeling alone
    I’ve been a fan of Strict Scrutiny from its inception! With all of the 2024 election turmoil and now the current administration’s disastrous agenda, I rely on Melissa, Kate and Leah to bring me some much needed clarity with a splash of humor and sarcasm! Appreciate Kate’s suggestion to download 5 Calls app-very helpful and easy to use! Keep it up ladies!
  • jtmutelax2
    Nah
    This ain’t it, bunch of silly gooses.
  • Middleoffive
    You give us sanity
    When friends come to me as a lawyer with urgent texts, wondering what can they possibly do to stop what is happening I first send them to your podcast so they know there is still sanity in the legal system. It would be great for you to give us an episode of the top organizations who are trying to fight back against the insanity of Washington right now so people will know where they can go to donate time or money.
  • makeupmyname
    Not enough substance.
    A bit too silly for my liking. The women seem very smart and well-versed. But I fail to understand why they’re so quick to go into coffee-klatch mode…
  • TimHougj
    Entertaining
    You ladies say things with absolute neutrality and clarity. All constitutional lawyers, I wish tracks to your logic were available. An example would be the claim FBI / Civil Service employees have constitutional rights to due process to retain employment. If that was true’Right to Work’ States employers would need to concern themselves with ‘cause’ and righteousness
  • souletrain
    Meh
    Not my favorite. Seems to chaotic. Well intentioned but there are others I enjoy more.
  • jlsistrunk
    Immediate favorite
    Just finished my first episode and immediately subscribed. Great energy, informative and with enough humor I don’t feel like crying or screaming over what’s happening. Thanks!
  • Peter Guillam
    Norms!
    …These three are the Jonathan Turkeys of Norms. Constantly begging for Norms! in between failed attempts at humor. Expect all three to be providing intimate favors to Duh Donald and MAGA by the third quarter of 2025 to retain their seats at cocktail parties in Georgetown and on the Upper East Side.
  • BeccaImmAttorney
    Thank you for the sanity!
    Have listened for years. Irrational Basis Review during my 1L year brought me to you. Thank you for stating things so clearly and speaking with your whole chests. “Dicks, Ex-Husbands, and Imbeciles” made me laugh so hard and finally leave a review. Bless you, besties!
  • Canada is on my shortlist
    What’s happening and why it matters
    When Roe fell, we found that established law is no longer established law. Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down the issues and help us understand what is happening and why it matters.
  • bigdog803
    Sexist language towards men
    These hosts are incredible knowledgeable on the subject and do a great job on informing the listener about the subject but, unfortunately too many little quips and barbs that I felt were sexist towards men. I am of the belief that having a 0 tolerance stance on prejudice does not abide by double standards for one group or another.
  • diana 1229
    love this podcast
    i look forward to every monday. it was hard to keep up with it first, with information flying left and right; not to mention how fast Kate talks. But now I’m with them every step of the way and love the fact that they’re not only intelligently informative women lawyers, but just three women laughing and showing us their personality and humanity while doing so.
  • BCguy94
    Informative & Entertaining
    This is my go-to for SCOTUS news and analysis. The hosts are so incredibly smart and funny, I’m entertained (even if horrified) every episode.
  • tsi8888
    I’m not seeing why this is popular
    I’m not seeing. Would love to subscribe to a great Supreme Court podcast. This isn’t it.
  • Kalfisher
    FYI Wikipedia on Kate Shaw says she’s 64
    And that’s neither here nor there but it’s wrong - and odd. But yeah, someone should edit the wiki, or my bad she’s 64 and good for her. Most awkward review ever. This one. Yep. That is all.
  • mwiseman45
    As good as it gets
    The perfect mix of brilliance, insight, and humor. I am grateful every day to have their whip-smart analysis and good sense in my ears. Thank you three for sticking your necks out there to help keep lawyers and non-lawyers informed about the Court!
  • lucyprime
    One of my favorite things
    I’m listening to the favorite things episode and truly this podcast is one of mine. To have three incredibly smart, talented, funny female professors teach me about the Supreme Court and the implications of its rulings is living the dream. I just started back to school for a PhD and these ladies are always in my ears during my commute or any time I need a breather and a laugh. When I was desperately looking for a book at the airport, and because I have para-social relationships with the hosts of all my favorite podcasts, when I saw The Trump Indictments I was like, “I know her, I know the author!” Thanks for all you do, we ride at dawn!
  • tsfel
    Insightful and cathartic
    It’s three brilliant women who know their stuff and have a particular point of view that, yes, is on the left. They provide cogent and thoughtful analysis through that lens. If you don’t agree or like it then be prepared to listen to something that may challenge your world view. They also bring their feelings to the table through humor and when it’s a truly dark moment like Dobbs, a strong helping of snark. They’ve chosen to laugh in the ever present existential balance between laughing and crying. And yes, they do so with a generous dose of profanity and pop culture. So if any of this isn’t to your taste then don’t listen or hate listen if you must but you knew what you would get when you pressed play. For me it’s informative if sometimes over my head in terms of judicial/legal jargon. I find it invaluable to listen to their analysis and insight on SCOTUS and often their rage is hugely cathartic. I also am aware that I can and do go elsewhere to find an alternative POV, which in no way diminishes the substance and enlightenment I get from Strict Scrutiny. Thank you to the hosts for continuing to share their analysis and humor. As for all the 1 stars? I respectfully dissent.
  • WendyinLima
    Not Alone
    I am so thankful to hear other listeners today, and I am thankful for you all because teaching Humanities to the future is made easier when I get a handle on our judicial branch and the low jinx that comes out of it.
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